Battle Against the Berserk Team

Inside Suotuo City's Great Soul Arena, the atmosphere had surged to a fever pitch. After the Nether Crimson Kite Combination emerged victorious, the matches that followed seemed dull by comparison, and the audience's expressions still lingered on the final clash of Martial Soul Fusion Skills.

Within the VIP seats, however, the atmosphere among the various factions was exceptionally grave. The faces of Spirit Hall's bishops in particular had turned utterly dreadful, and deep fear filled their eyes.

Who had made a move and killed that Douluo in a single strike?

They did not dare think about it, nor could they. That was absolutely an existence beyond their reach. At this moment, they only wanted to leave this troublesome place as quickly as possible, but they could not help but seriously consider the Pope's assignment.

On the other side, at Heaven Dou Empire Crown Prince Xue Qinghe's side, the mood was unexpectedly much lighter. As long as no Titled Douluo-level figure was involved, they still had a chance of winning.

Still, he was quite curious about who had delivered that final blow, especially that black flame.

"Could it be related to Crimson Kite?"

Several compartments away, in Shrek's resting area, Master was likewise suspicious, though he was far more certain of it.

After bringing Fu Hua and Zhu Zhuqing back to the lounge, Dai Mubai went to tend to Zhu Zhuqing, his face full of worry.

Master and Flender called Fu Hua over, wanting to ask about the exact circumstances. Flender spoke first.

"Fu Hua, what happened at the end?"

Although the Fire Snake Combination's waves of flame could not stop Flender's investigation, he had been unable to see through the black cocoon surrounding Fu Hua and Zhu Zhuqing. Otherwise, he would not have flown into such a rage then.

Especially that final phoenix cry—even he had felt the urge to kneel in worship. And then there was that unknown Titled Douluo, who had intervened only to perish for no apparent reason.

Since when could even Titled Douluo fall so easily?

Everything was shrouded in mystery, yet it all seemed connected by countless threads. And the one person who could not possibly be uninvolved was Fu Hua.

That was why Flender asked.

But Fu Hua herself did not know the exact details of what had happened.

"I only remember that after Zhuqing fainted, a strange sensation passed through the hands supporting her. Then we were suddenly wrapped in a cocoon. When I woke up again, it was already the scene you saw at the end. I think Zhuqing must have been knocked unconscious by the Fire Snake Combination's Martial Soul Fusion Skill!"

Fu Hua's words were full of holes, yet Flender unexpectedly found them quite reasonable. Still, a voice in his heart continued telling him that Fu Hua had not told the truth.

That was right. Fu Hua had not revealed everything.

For instance, the Martial Soul Fusion Skill she had used with Zhuqing at the end: the Netherworld Nine Nether Phoenix.

Even Fu Hua had not expected that her other Martial Soul could resonate with Zhuqing's Martial Soul and directly fuse successfully.

Yes, Fu Hua had Twin Martial Souls, but it could also be said that she did not. Both of her Martial Souls were armor sets from her time as a Valkyrie; one of them was even her original body from fifty thousand years ago.

Both manifested in the form of Divine Keys.

The Xuanyuan Sword and Yu Du Chen.

On her left palm was the pattern of a crimson kite bird, the symbol of Yu Du Chen.

Fu Hua rarely used this Martial Soul, yet she had never expected it to resonate with Zhu Zhuqing's Netherworld Cat today, much less fuse into the Netherworld Nine Nether Phoenix, an existence that should not have existed.

It truly was a divine bird linking the mortal realm and the Nine Netherworlds, bearing Netherworld Flame that represented death. Any mortal who touched it would certainly die, and the stronger they were, the more fiercely the Netherworld Flame burned.

It was an existence that seemed to have no answer.

Combined with Yu Du Chen's abilities, even instantly killing a Titled Douluo would be effortless. If Zhu Zhuqing's strength had not been too low, the Netherworld Nine Nether Phoenix might truly have appeared.

That was right. The Netherworld Nine Nether Phoenix had not fully manifested then. Only an eye and a phantom of its true form had appeared, yet the cry of that phantom alone had instantly slain a Titled Douluo-level existence.

In a second—or perhaps not even a second—the Netherworld Nine Nether Phoenix had completely vanished. If Fu Hua had not protected Zhu Zhuqing, that single cry would have been enough to erase her from this world.

In the end, she was simply too weak.

Master and Flender fell into thought, both remaining silent. The others did not know what to say either. Seeing Fu Hua and Zhu Zhuqing return safely was already the thing that pleased them most.

"No matter what, it is good that Fu Hua and Zhuqing returned safely. And because of this Soul Battle, Zhuqing has also broken through to Rank 30. It can be said that we gained a great deal," Master said calmly, breaking the atmosphere in the room.

The oppressive feeling eased somewhat.

"Everyone's one-on-one and Two vs Two Soul Battles are over. Next comes the team battle. Are you ready?"

"Yes!"

Everyone answered in high spirits.

There were still ten minutes before the team battle began, enough time for them to adjust themselves. As for Zhu Zhuqing, she should rest properly for now. This Soul Battle had benefited her more than anyone else.

In the contestants' rest area, all seven of them wore grave expressions. Even the arrogant Mad Rhinoceros and seductive Spider Woman had no choice but to rein in their swagger.

Their gazes were stern.

"We still underestimated Crimson Kite."

"Who exactly was that person at the end? That aura was terrifying."

"The team battle is about to begin. Our opponents seem to be Shrek."

Spider Woman and Mad Rhinoceros exchanged glances, the heaviness in their hearts plain to see.

"No matter what, in the team battle, we must eliminate Crimson Kite or his female teammate first. If they use that skill again, none of us will be able to win."

Spider Woman delivered the final word on their battle plan, earning the unanimous agreement of every teammate. Yet even so, they did not feel the slightest bit relieved.

Crimson Kite was simply too strong.

The one-on-one and Two vs Two Soul Battles had concluded completely. Next came the team battle the audience had been eagerly awaiting.

The most anticipated match was naturally Shrek Eight Monsters versus the Berserk Team. The wait was not long; after three Soul Battles, it was finally their turn.

At this moment, everyone from Shrek was brimming with energy and ready for battle. As Master looked at the vibrant young men and women, even his stiff face showed heartfelt pride.

They were his proudest students, and now, they would let everyone see just how terrifying they were.

"I have nothing more to say. The battle ahead is entirely up to you."

"Yes!" everyone answered in unison.

On the Soul Battle stage, the Shrek group all wore strange masks and bizarre outfits, yet no one dared underestimate them. Not only because Fu Hua was among them, but because the strength of every one of them had drawn the audience's attention.

The stage for a team Soul Battle differed from those used for one-on-one and Two vs Two Soul Battles. It was far larger in area, naturally requiring ample space for anywhere from fourteen to twenty people to fight upon it.

The audience was already fired up, while the so-called Crimson Kite Support Club kept shouting encouragement. The entire Soul Battle arena was overflowing with enthusiasm, and even the host was swept up by the fervent atmosphere.

Without further ado, they went straight to the point.

"The next Soul Battle will be between the newcomer team, Shrek Eight Monsters, and the wild Berserk Team! District Thirteen's fourth team battle begins now!"

As the host's words fell, he swiftly retreated at astonishing speed, as though afraid of being caught in the crossfire.

Dai Mubai naturally stood at the front of the formation. His expression was rather gloomy, likely because of what had happened to Zhu Zhuqing in the previous match. His anger could be clearly felt.

Xiao Wu and Fu Hua stood at his sides. Since Zhu Zhuqing was still unconscious, she did not participate in this Soul Battle.

Tang San stood behind them, followed by Ma Hongjun, while Ning Rongrong and Oscar occupied the rear.

This formation was exceptionally safe for support-type Soul Masters. If the enemy wanted to attack Ning Rongrong and Oscar directly, they would have to break through three layers of defense.

Oscar stood close beside Ning Rongrong. Before the Soul Battle had begun, he had already handed all kinds of sausages to everyone. In a team battle, he was undoubtedly the most idle one.

"Why are you standing so close to me?" Ning Rongrong asked softly.

"If someone attacks you, I can be your human shield!"

There was not the slightest trace of joking in Oscar's voice. His eyes remained fixed on the opponents in the distance, and his solemn tone made Ning Rongrong glance at him.

Normally, Ning Rongrong would have assumed he was trying to take advantage of her. But now, hearing him say those words so seriously, coupled with those alluring peach blossom eyes of his, she could not help feeling a slight flutter in her heart.

Having two support Soul Masters on the team was certainly beneficial, but it also indirectly weakened the combat power of Shrek Eight Monsters. Even if Zhu Zhuqing were included, they only had six Soul Masters who could truly serve as combatants.

Yet the team they faced now consisted entirely of members above level thirty-five. Dai Mubai and the others could not possibly rely on Fu Hua alone to hold the field. Otherwise, would this not simply become a battle for her alone?

Besides, while the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda's support was powerful, it was not absolute. In a team battle with her present, how could the enemy possibly not target her first?

A thirty-percent boost to the entire team was no joke.

"Brothers, unleash your martial souls!"

Dai Mubai let out an angry roar, and his aura abruptly surged.

The muscles all over his body instantly expanded as he spread both arms to his sides, unleashing his martial soul: White Tiger Possession.

Both sides released their martial souls almost simultaneously. The physical transformations of the Beast Soul Masters drew countless eyes, while the Tool Soul Masters summoned their various martial souls. The entire Soul Battle stage immediately became dazzlingly brilliant.

Beyond the excitement of combat itself, nothing drew more attention than the splendid spectacle of Soul Masters releasing their martial souls.

On Shrek's side, the Soul Ring configurations were basically all optimal. Even Fu Hua's Soul Rings could not be judged by common standards. The Berserk Team was different: Mad Rhinoceros had one white, one yellow, and one purple Soul Ring, a fairly standard combination. The other Soul Masters each had one white and two yellow Soul Rings. The only one with a top-tier configuration was that seductive Spider Woman.

Although they had prepared themselves beforehand, they were still startled by the Soul Ring configurations of the Shrek group. Coupled with the unfathomable Fu Hua, Mad Rhinoceros even had the urge to surrender for a moment.

But now that they stood upon the Soul Battle stage, how could they leave without fighting?

At the same time, the voices of the support Soul Masters rang out from the rear of both teams.

The Berserk Team's support Soul Master was a middle-aged man whose martial soul was the Ruyi Plate. As he began his Spirit Incantation, the first two yellow Soul Rings around him flashed.

"Ruyi Plate, bloom with the light of defense! Ruyi Plate, bloom with the attack aura!"

Two halos the same color as his Soul Rings instantly spread out, adding a layer of yellow-white radiance to each of the six companions in front of him.

On Shrek Seven Devils' side, dazzling light already shone from Ning Rongrong's hand. A seven-colored pagoda over a foot tall had appeared in her right palm.

Treasure light flickered, its noble aura overwhelming. Ning Rongrong wore a smile, looking as ethereal as an immortal, while her Spirit Incantation rang out crisply from her lips.

"Seven Treasures' Name, first: Strength."

"Seven Treasures' Name, second: Speed."

The two Soul Rings circling Ning Rongrong rose at the same time, enveloping the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda. Fourteen streams of colored light shot forth simultaneously, landing upon herself and her six companions.

Lightness and warmth spread through the bodies of Shrek Seven Devils at once. Their strength and agility were instantly boosted by thirty percent.

Many Soul Masters knew of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul. Seeing that their opponents actually had a Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda Soul Master, the Berserk Team members' faces immediately became even uglier.

One Crimson Kite was troublesome enough, and now there was also a disciple of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. The Berserk Team had no choice but to reconsider their situation.

Could Crimson Kite actually be this Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect disciple's protector?

The Berserk Team was not alone in thinking so. Most of the audience thought the same, after all, Crimson Kite had once teamed up with this Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect disciple in a Two vs Two Soul Battle.

"Charge—"

With the arrow on the bowstring, they had no choice but to let it fly.

Mad Rhinoceros could no longer afford to think too much. No matter what, they would finish the battle before them first.

Even if they won, they absolutely could not cripple their opponents like before. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was not someone they could afford to offend.

The question was, could they do it?

Mad Rhinoceros's Martial Soul was a rhinoceros. After releasing it, not only did his body swell by a full size, but his skin also gained a thick layer of callus resembling armor.

A horn over half a foot long suddenly emerged from his head, gleaming with a brownish-yellow light.

With a loud roar, the white glow of his ten-year Soul Ring surged upward. Carrying an unstoppable momentum, he charged straight toward Dai Mubai.

The two Soul Masters beside Mad Rhinoceros were also Assault System Soul Masters, both Beast Spirit Masters with identical Martial Souls.

Two horns sprouted from their heads, and their skin gained a layer of white fur. They were clearly Sheep Spirits, charging forward alongside Mad Rhinoceros.

As a team, coordination was extremely important. The Support System Soul Master of the Berserk Team increased their defense by five percent and their attack by ten percent.

Compared to the amplification of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, the difference was truly enormous.

Behind Mad Rhinoceros and the other two, the two Agility Attack System Soul Masters also moved swiftly. Their Martial Souls were monkeys, yellow fur covering their bodies as they circled around Dai Mubai's group from both sides at astonishing speed, targeting Ning Rongrong in the rear.

At the same time, Spider Woman, who possessed top-grade Soul Rings, also made her move.

She was likewise a Beast Spirit Master. The reason she occupied the center of the team was not only her strength, but also her cultivation path as a Soul Master. Like Tang San, she was a Control System Soul Master.

Just as her title suggested, her Martial Soul was a spider.

After activating Martial Soul Possession, Spider Woman's entire body was covered in a pink glow. Eight strands of her wavy hair rose sideways, forming the shape of a spider's eight legs along both sides of her head. A spiderweb mark appeared on her forehead, and her eyes turned completely pink.

As her first Soul Ring lit up, she raised both hands at once. Streams of spider silk shot from her palms toward the air, where they began weaving together at high speed.

Tang San calmly watched the situation in the arena and shouted, "Fatty, the air! Phoenix Fire Line, fire!"

Ma Hongjun had long been ready. Purple-red flames burst from his mouth and shot straight toward the web in the air.

At that moment, Tang San moved.

Dozens of Blue Silver Grass vines rapidly extended from beneath his feet—not forward, but to both sides. He unleashed his Binding skill twice, directly intercepting the two young Agility Attack System Soul Masters with monkey Martial Souls.

Control System Soul Masters countered Agility Attack System Soul Masters; every Soul Master knew that. Seeing the Blue Silver Grass surge toward them, the two incredibly fast monkey Soul Masters immediately faltered.

While the Berserk Team launched their attack, Fu Hua was not idle either. Dai Mubai took on Mad Rhinoceros, Xiao Wu tangled with the two Sheep Spirit Soul Masters, while Fu Hua unleashed her speed and took on the role of an Agility Attack System Soul Master.

She went straight for the opposing team's Support System Soul Master in the rear.

Her second soul skill had already activated.

First phase: Advance.

Although it required three seconds of charging, Fu Hua's control over Soul Power had reached the pinnacle. Charging in secret was hardly difficult for her.

Back when she had fought Dai Mubai and the other seven, Fu Hua had always done this. She won time and time again, catching them completely off guard. Even a simple Advance seemed to take on endless variations in her hands.

It had given them terrible headaches. Even though Tang San had set up defenses in advance, he still could not stop it.

At this moment, the Berserk Team was about to face the ever-changing Advance that even Tang San found troublesome.

As Fu Hua activated Advance, her figure instantly turned into a wisp of green smoke. In the blink of an eye, she passed Spider Woman and charged toward the Support System Soul Master, Ruyi Plate.

Sweeping Through a Thousand Armies!

Bang! The Ruyi Plate Soul Master was sent flying.

But just as he was about to hit the ground, his third soul skill lit up. Six beams of deep purple light in different hues descended upon the six members of his team.

In an instant, berserk energy surged in all directions, and bloodlust ran rampant.

The six Soul Masters immediately surrounded Fu Hua, while a huge net spread beneath her feet, hindering her retreat.

So their target from the very beginning had been Fu Hua.

PS: Bonus chapter for reaching one thousand bookmarks. So far, I don't owe anyone anything. Oh yeah!